The Lighting of Avalon returns to Avalon, in Alpharetta, in a format that has been re-imagined for 2020.
It all begins on Sunday, November 22nd.
The annual tree lighting event will be a 12-day celebration, so you can avoid the crowds as you enjoy a variety of open-air events along the Boulevard. These include: Avalon on Ice performances, stage fireworks shows, rooftop cocktail hours, caroling, and pop-up concerts.
At 7 p.m. each night during the 12-day celebration, you’ll be dazzled by a spectacular fireworks show around Avalon’s 40-foot tree. This is a great idea, because people can spread out all over to enjoy fireworks.
You can also book an appointment for photos with Santa in his open-air, North Pole-inspired cottage, which has been redesigned for social distancing.
“Because this has been such a challenging year, it was important for us to find a way to host Avalon’s holiday festivities and give the community a variety of options for celebrating,” said Lauren Ness, Avalon’s marketing manager, in a press statement.
Looking for info on the ice-skating rink at Avalon? Click here!
Lighting of Avalon: 12-day schedule of events
You can view the schedule online, along with more detailed descriptions of each event.
Note that a few require tickets — reserve early, because with limited capacity these days, everything sells out!
There are more holiday events outside these 12 days, and you’ll find them in the section below this schedule.
During this time of frequent cancellations, please verify that an event is actually happening as planned, before you head out.
Sunday, November 22nd
- Noon — the Holiday Market at Avalon opens
- 1 p.m. — Skating performances at the ice rink
- 5 to 7 p.m. — Avalon on Ice Live (skate to live music)
- 7 p.m. — Fireworks show around the holiday tree
Monday, November 23rd
- 10 to 11 a.m. — Santa Scavenger Hunt for kids (tickets $15 on Eventbrite)
- Noon — Christmas tree lot opens (and will be open each day until trees are gone)
- 6 to 7 p.m. — Storytime with Santa (every Monday thru Dec. 21st — see info below)
- 7 p.m. — Fireworks show around the holiday tree
Tuesday, November 24th
- 4 to 6 p.m. — Holiday tunes by local performer Chris Cauley
- 7 p.m. — Fireworks show around the holiday tree
Wednesday, November 25th
- 5 to 7 p.m. — Up on the Rooftop cocktail bar
- 7 p.m. — Fireworks show around the holiday tree
Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 26th)
- 7 p.m. — Fireworks show around the holiday tree
Friday, November 27th
- 9 a.m. — Black Friday shopping and swag crawl
- 5 to 7 p.m. — Avalon on Ice Live (skate to live music)
- 7 p.m. — Fireworks show around the holiday tree
Saturday, November 28th
- 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Holiday Shopping Incentive (redeem your receipts for prizes)
- 1 to 3 p.m. — Carolers along the Boulevard
- 7 p.m. — Fireworks show around the holiday tree
Sunday, November 29th
- 7 p.m. — Fireworks show around the holiday tree
Monday, November 30th
- 4 to 6 p.m. — Holiday tunes by local performer Chris Cauley
- 6 to 7 p.m. — Storytime with Santa (every Monday thru Dec. 21st — see info below)
- 7 p.m. — Fireworks show around the holiday tree
Tuesday, December 1st
- 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. — Holiday Shopping Incentive (redeem your receipts for prizes)
- p.m. — Fireworks show around the holiday tree
Wednesday, December 2nd
- 5 to 7 p.m. — Up on the Rooftop cocktail bar
- 7 p.m. — Fireworks show around the holiday tree
Thursday, December 3rd
- 5 to 7 p.m. — Avalon on Ice Live (skate to live music)
- 7 p.m. — Fireworks show around the holiday tree
Enjoy a fireworks show around Avalon’s 40-foot tree, every night from Nov. 22nd to Dec. 23rd.
More holiday events at Avalon
Avalon on Ice
Avalon’s ice skating rink is open to the public from Nov. 22, 2020 through Jan. 18, 2021.
General admission tickets are $18 per adult and $14 per child under nine, including skates.
Get hours and more information.
Holiday Market at Avalon
From Nov. 22 through Jan. 3, the holiday market will open at the corner of Avalon Boulevard and 1st Street, featuring 11 local makers and merchants, as well as a festive pop-up bar.
Get more info
Menorah Lighting at Avalon
On Thursday, December 10th, from 5 to 6 p.m., Avalon will host a traditional Menorah lighting ceremony.
Due to the need for social distancing, this event will be FREE, but capacity will be limited and you’ll need a ticket.
Stay tuned for the ticket link. More info here
Santa at Avalon
Beginning Nov. 23, the man in red will take up residence in an open-air, North Pole-inspired cottage in Palmer Plaza for another season of festive photo ops.
For safety, photos with Santa are by appointment only (it costs $40 for ten minutes).
Social distancing is in place. Book online here.
Storytime with Santa
This event takes place every Monday evening, from Nov. 23rd to Dec. 21st.
There are two 30-minute sessions — starting at 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 — and the events will sell out. Buy tickets online.
Drive-in Breakfast with Santa at Chik-fil-A
There are two sessions on Saturday, Dec. 12th — at 7:45 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.
Order from Chick-fil-A’s breakfast menu while visiting with Santa, doing a holiday craft, & enjoying some holiday tunes!
Tickets are $25 per car.
Your ticket includes a visit from Santa, two crafts, and a gift for each child in your vehicle.
Breakfast is not included in the ticket price. Buy tickets here.
City of Refuge Christmas Pop-Up Tree Lot
The tree lot will offer an incredible collection of Fraser Firs and Balsam Firs in a variety of sizes, ranging from small tabletops to grand 10-footers. The lot will also offer a selection of holiday greenery, including beautiful wreaths, garland and more.
The pop-up tree lot is located on the second level of the North Parking Deck.
It opens at noon on Monday, Nov. 23rd, and will remain open until all trees are sold.
Hours are noon to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Closed on Thanksgiving Day. More info here.
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